ANNUAL REPORT 2018 CONTENTS

Chair’s Review of 2018 Patron’s Address Secretary’s Report Planning Group Report Highways Group Report Rail Group Report Talks & Tours Group Report Heritage Group Report Citizenship Group Report Heritage Open Days Report Design Awards Our Trustees & Working Groups Trustees Report Treasurer’s Report 2018 Annual Accounts 2019 Calendar of Events

Acknowledgements

Executive Committee Meeting Venue: Photographs courtesy of: We would like to express our sincere thanks to Richard Metcalfe Friends of Friarwood Valley Gardens and all the staff at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel for their hospitality. Heritage Group Peter Cookson Rail Group Meeting Venue: Michael Hirst We would like to express our sincere thanks to Mick Todd & Steve Council Ridge and all the staff at Pontefract Squash & Leisure Centre Christine Cartwright Wakefield District Housing We would also like to thank Wakefield MDC for access to Medlock Photography

Telephone: 07598 336027 Email: [email protected] Website: www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 2 CHAIR’S REVIEW OF 2018

For some in Pontefract Civic Society, it has been a really busy decorations, both in windows and inside business premises, that year, and I am very thankful of those who have delivered within we will bring back our judged competition in 2019. their role and supported me in going the extra mile. We are thankful to Nathan Garbutt Moore in putting Pontefract Engaging Business Civic Society forward for a small grant from the Interserve Employee Foundation, from which a project will be delivered Following the 2017 Christmas Trail, which promoted independent from March, 2019. businesses, we have continued to use social media and our talks to promote businesses, in particular though not exclusively, those who support us. Civic Pride - Engaging with community based organisations Our Executive is thankful to the support from Richard Metcalfe We held all our talks in 2018 at Carleton Grange, though for 2019 and his staff at Rogerthorpe Manor Hotel, in hosting our monthly we took the decision to use the Town Hall as a more central and meetings. Similarly, our Rail Group is thankful for the continued accessible location for all. support from Steve Ridge and the team at Pontefract Squash & Leisure Centre, in providing a meeting room each month. We do pay St Mary’s Community Centre to print a small quantity We are thankful for the support of Linda, Chris & Richard of communications for our members without an email address, Pennock in selling the late Martin Lodge’s book and our 2019 though by comparison with membership fees that cost per heritage-based calendar at Pomfret Gallery, and in return we member is subsidized by the civic society. St Mary’s is a business have given regular support by sharing social media posts. member, and in that respect have promoted their services, office Towards the end of 2018, as we were aware that Wakefield MDC space, and events. were producing a map of independent retailers in Pontefract, we made the decision not to confuse the business community or the We have actively supported a number of organisations in public by creating a Christmas trail, though we did extensively meetings and events, as well as paid advertising and donations, photograph all those businesses which did decorate their and those are St Mary’s & St Giles Pantomime Society, Pontefract shops and offices. In fact, such was the appetite for Christmas in Bloom, The Crescent Project and Pontefract Heritage Group.

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 3 WDH Barracks estate entrance feature Entente Cordiale as civic society

On Monday 12th November, the day after Remembrance welcomes French visitors Sunday, Christine and I together with Mike Skidmore attended On Sat 12 May, we gave an official welcome at Pontefract Town the official launch of the commemorative entrance feature at Hall to 60 visitors from France, accompanied by their 20 hosts the Barracks Estate. The Barracks Community Association, from Selby. This was the culmination of months of planning Wakefield District Housing and Pontefract Civic Society were between the group’s coordinator, Lizzie Cooper, and our Chair, involved in arranging and financing the feature through grants, Paul Cartwright. including a handsome commemorative World War One steel bench. The Selby-Carentan Twinning Association was founded in 1974, promotes friendship between the residents of Selby and those The Barracks was the home to many soldiers during their initial in the French town of Carentan in Normandy. Each year visits training from the time before the Boer War right up until 1968. alternate between the two towns. As a result of its heritage and impact on the town, Pontefract Civic Society will continue to work with the Barracks The day commenced with a talk in the Nelson Room from Community Association and Wakefield District Housing which Allan Blaza, followed by refreshments at St Giles Church, for may see the addition of a further bench, and an interpretation which our French visitors offered praise to the scones baker. board, which we have discussed with Col. Gerald Delany. Two simultaneous heritage walks followed, one led by Jayne Poppleton, Heidi White (Pontefract Heritage Group), the Promoting Pontefract other led by Paul Cartwright, which covered the town centre, Throughout 2018, book sales have continued, mostly online Friarwood Valley Gardens and the St Richard’s Friary site. After (thanks to Karl), on our PR stall at community events, though lunch, their choices included the new displays at Pontefract supported by Pontefract Library for Roger Ellis’ book, and Museum, a dungeon tour at the Castle, or leisure time around the Pomfret Gallery continues to sell Martin Lodge’s book. They market, glimpsing blue plaques along the way; most of the group also sold our 2019 Heritage Calendar. On the latter project, opted for the Museum, and we were very thankful to Wakefield our thanks go to local photographer, Michael Hirst, who Council for making that possible. painstakingly photographed and matched new images to our selection of heritage images from Wakefield Libraries archives The English and French visitors alike enjoyed themselves very with their permission. much and all took home very positive memories of Pontefract. Thanks were offered to Allan Blaza and to Pontefract Heritage

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 4 Group. The Selby Coordinator, Lizzie Cooper, thanked Paul contemporary photography. Cartwright for arranging the programme. The English and French Fashionable new coffee shops, vibrant gaming stores and chic alike enjoyed themselves very much and all took home very boutiques have appeared in recent years on Pontefract’s streets, positive memories of Pontefract. against a backdrop of online shopping giants. Pontefract’s people and its shops are changing but some things remain universally York Civic Trust Visit to Pontefract familiar.

In August, a very inquisitive group of 20 members of York Civic The temporary exhibition compliments the redisplay of Trust participated in a guided heritage walk of Pontefract’s ’s main gallery. Market Place conservation area. We brushed past The Mount conservation area and Friarwood Valley Gardens - part of the Pontefract Civic Society was asked to reach out to civic society Button Park & Friarwood conservation area (both the latter two, members and the public for stories and reminiscences, which the civic society was responsible for gaining approval since the resulted in a great piece of collaboration between Pontefract turn of the century), and finally our route concluded at Pontefract Museum, ourselves and the public. Town Hall. Before the walk commenced our visitors were treated to a “welcome” which was proclaimed by the then newly Pomfret WI appointed Pontefract Town Crier, John Turner, of Pontefract Heritage Group. In March, we gave a talk on Pontefract’s blue plaques to the WI which was well received. The start of the tour was led by Paul Cartwright and was supported by Phil Henfrey, Dr Colin White, Allan Blaza and Karl Partnerships and statutory Gilbert. authorities In the two hours available, it was a challenge to show some of Our senior meetings with Wakefield MDC have taken place at Pontefract’s conserved medieval, Georgian, Victorian and later intervals during 2018, starting with Andy Wallhead (now at architecture together with the significance of earlier periods WDH), Neil Rodgers in June, and from September with Tom such as the Romans, Anglo Saxons, the arrival the family Stannard, together with Cllrs Jeffery and Jones. and later royal connections. More recent commentary of our rich and varied history included the town’s trades, street names and We were concerned with the proposed governance structure markets, going onto its varied industries of liquorice, the army, resulting in a quarterly meeting for the Pontefract Working maltsters, mining, whilst also including mention of the arrival of Group, this we initially objected to. We felt that given our support the racecourse, and the unique geography which delivered three to the initial consultation, the level of public interest, and the rail stations to the town, though we are still waiting for better rail volume of work ahead of us, a quarterly meeting was totally services over a hundred years later! inappropriate for us to represent the interests of Pontefract. This was reviewed and revised to a monthly meeting which has At the end of their visit Stephen Lusty (Events Chair from YCT) been productive and more engaging towards the end of the said that the pride in Pontefract and in the civic society shone year. Meetings with Highways and on Rail have been reported through, and our proactive attitude has enabled so much to be elsewhere. done in the town. YCT Visit Coordinator Agnes Winter felt that their eyes were opened at what Pontefract had to offer and what Our use of Pontefract Town Hall for meetings and heritage walks Pontefract Civic Society has achieved. has become more frequent, and we thank both the Events & Sale of the Century at Pontefract Function Team and Halls Officer at Wakefield Council for their cooperation and flexibility. Since May, Pontefract Museum has been taking a shopping trip Our activities in delivering against the Wakefield Council capital down memory lane, from the elegant window dressings of the grant 2018 has been delayed, and we plan to bring this to a 1930s to wartime rationing; from the explosion of consumer conclusion in 2019. culture to times of austerity. ‘Sale of the Century’ is a photographic exhibition exploring For the Tour de Yorkshire, we hosted an initial public meeting, one hundred years of shopping in Pontefract, featuring followed by an official roadshow in April, and Phil Cook worked nostalgic images from the museum collections contrasted with with local groups to manage an activity stall for young people on

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 5 the market and bike pictures on the Southgate side of the former Keyzers

In spite of Wakefield Council Cabinet approving Public Spaces Protection Orders in and Pontefract (the latter does cover Friarwood Valley Gardens) – there has been a rise in anti- social behaviour, and in 2019 we would look to both Wakefield MDC and Police to put greater effort into the management of these issues from a minority in our community. Other examples of partnership working have been our support for Volunteers Week Fair in Pontefract Library, attended in June by Dave Hogg (6 Jun), our support for the Pontefract in Bloom team and the judging visit in July, and ongoing work with The Crescent Project through meetings and Male Voice Choir Concert in September. Our close partnership with Pontefract Heritage Group on book sales, heritage walks, Heritage Open Days, and via the Town Crier has continued throughout the year, and will be strengthened even further in 2019.

We have participated in a number of partner meetings for the some civic societies where there isn’t a regional structure. If you Wakefield Cultural Consortium, the results of which will come to require further information on these discussions, please contact fruition in 2019 and beyond. our Chair.

We are also so fortunate to have commenced work with Dream In Sept, the focus was the NPPF, the need for training for civic Time Creative, Pontefract Museum, and Pontefract Family societies, and the Convention. History Society as part of the Forgotten Women of Wakefield, which will deliver a blue plaque for Elizabeth Moxon in 2019. Civic Voice Convention (The Big Throughout 2018, we had the modest benefit from the University Conservation Conversation) of York’s Cultural Heritage Management student placement programme. The convention theme has continued from last year’s event, such is the significance of the issue on conservation in our towns and cities, though the format of the event changed to one which had a Networking with Civic Voice, theatre setting on day one with an impressive line-up of keynote YHACS and other civic societies speakers, and a limited mix of workshops and tours on day two, though our chair, Paul Cartwright and his wife Christine were Civic Voice Region Forum not convinced that this format was an improvement on previous The Feb 2018 meeting focused on conservation area audit conventions. Nonetheless, keynote speakers did create an documentation, member fees and what an affinity scheme could increased and attentive audience: look like. Day 1 The May 2018 meeting revisited the ongoing theme of the Big Keynote speakers from National Trust, Historic , Donald Conservation Conversation, the challenges facing civic societies, Insall Associates (architects), Royal Town Planning Institute, Max such as technology, dwindling membership and the need to Farrell, Institute of Historic Building Conservation, and Royal engage with younger members, and finally the National Planning Institute of British Architects each gave their perspectives on Policy Framework. the present and the future of planning, beauty and conservation, regeneration, design and town planning. Other topics are presented and debated at these meetings by representatives from regional associations, where they exist, and Day 2

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 6 Sarah McLeod, CEO Wentworth Woodhouse, delivered a warts War Memorials project and all pictorial presentation on their journey thus far. We heard different approaches to the same subject that is the future of We are also thankful to Gill Lodge for engaging with the Civic conservation areas in Blackpool and . Swindon Civic Voice Voice War Memorials project by attending a workshop in was also rewarded, being named as the best conservation area February. following a public vote. YHACS Engaging with young people (tomorrows’ adults), is an important In January, the YHACS AGM returned to its usual haunt of area of development for Pontefract Civic Society, therefore we Harrogate, where as well as the AGM business we had a very made sure we heard from the horse’s mouth, Birmingham Civic thorough presentation of the work of the Canal & River Trust. Society’s Next Generation Awards. There are some aspects which on a smaller scale our Citizenship Group may consider for the The spring meeting in was held at , where future. we heard from two fascinating speakers on community housing projects, as well as the Chair of the 20th Century Society. Plenary

Alongside the autumn ‘2018 Budget’, the government published The summer meeting took us to Ripon where we were treated to the planning consultation; Supporting the high street and a well-coordinated programme starting on Friday evening with a increasing the delivery of new homes which ran from 29th visit to the Ripon Workhouse Museum, followed by a guided walk October 2018 to 14th January 2019 and sought views on a to heritage sites around the city, followed by the meeting in the package of measures aimed at making the best use of land and town hall in the afternoon where we heard from Henri Murison, speeding up the delivery of new homes. Director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership. During the Joan Humble, Chair of Civic Voice, said: “The future of high Saturday morning walk and the afternoon’s meeting, we were streets requires collaborative planning and long term vision with treated to live demonstrations of an innovative digital project to the historic environment at its heart. Investing in the high street bring blue plaques to life (for smartphone or tablet users) offering requires long-term planning and whilst the government believes more information than can be displayed on a plaque, as well as the plans would help revive high streets and increase housing audio recordings. delivery, we think it will do the opposite and we may end up with poor quality design housing without consideration for the wider built environment, something we know is key to successful high streets.”

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 7 Civic Patron appointed 2019 – 50th Anniversary

After a long history, Pontefract Civic Society appointed its The year ahead will be even more full than 2018, especially when very first patron, Michael Sayles Fox DL, at the Annual General we add a considerable number of 50th Anniversary specific Meeting in February ay Carleton Grange, where a framed events and activities, and would urge all members and friends certificate was presented in front of an appreciative audience of to respond by getting involved in as many things as your diary members. allows. Even if you can’t attend something, do tell your family and friends. Michael’s family hailed from Pontefract, and a distant ancestor fought for the King when garrisoned at during Full details of our 50th Anniversary is referred to elsewhere in the English Civil War. Another became a Liberal Party Alderman this report, and you will be regularly updated, so please don’t miss serving on Pontefract Borough Council, whilst others grew out as we celebrate together. liquorice in the Valley Gardens, and his Grandfather was born in the house next to the gardens. Paul Cartwright Chairman Announcement of new group structure CT CEL A EB FR R In Oct, we announced a new internal structure, which we have E A been working towards since 2017, which was driven following T T N I our use of the Civic Voice Healthcheck tool, which confirmed N O what we needed to do, and where we needed to work much G P

harder in engaging with our own members and the public, so that 5 N

many more people understand what Pontefract Civic Society 0 I

does. The changes are set out below, and have already engaged Y E

E

better with some members, though there is much work to be D A I

R

done. We are still welcoming members to get on board by joining R 1969 - 2019

S

P

O

one of these group if you share our brighter vision for Pontefract, C I

F V

I first and foremost, and second to that a brighter vision for the C civic society.

Former Committees New Group Structure

Planning Group Conservation, Environment & Planning Heritage Group

Land Use & Transport Highways Group

Rail sub-group Rail Group

Talks & Tours Group Publicity, Events & Administration Citizenship Group

- Economic Growth (to be effected)

- Internal Stakeholders Forum

Futures Group Futures Group

Executive Committee Executive Committee

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 8 PATRON’S ADDRESS

I recently attended and enjoyed very much the society’s 2017 & in Bloom managing to plant over 5000 plants twice a year. 2018 Design Awards held in the historic Pontefract Town Hall. It is events such as this that demonstrate the society has a signif- Finally, it is also good to see the society working closely with icant role in ensuring that investment comes into the town and Wakefield Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund through that its high streets are attractive and vibrant. Also pleasing was its transforming Townscape Heritage Initiative. It is through the move to provide living accommodation above commercial developing partnerships like this that Pontefract Civic Society premises – just as it once was in the old days! becomes a leader in its own field. I am proud to be a part of this dynamic organisation. The range and type of awards; from new build, refurbishment, restoring heritage frontages, etc., demonstrated a real sense of Michael Sayles Fox DL community involvement from those who received awards or were Patron highly commended. I must confess to being in awe of Pontefract

SECRETARY’S REPORT

It is my great pleasure to present the Secretary’s Report for 2018. throughout the year to promote our events and activities. We The year marked my fourth in the role of secretary and has been started selling a number of publications through our website another busy one, with a great deal having been achieved within and sales have been overwhelmingly positive, including sales of the society. our 2019 Calendar, with the first print run having sold out in a matter of weeks and another print run placed in January to meet Membership subscriptions throughout 2018 have remained demand. positive overall. We have welcomed 9 new individual members and 24 joint members to the society. Business memberships have We continued to support and have a presence at local community also been positive, having welcomed 2 new businesses and our events throughout the year, holding stalls at Pontefract Liquorice first Gold business member. As ever, we will continue to work Festival, Armed Forces Day, Yorkshire Day and Civic Day amongst and consult with businesses throughout 2019 to ensure that we others. The purchase of branded stall dressing items, including continue to create mutually beneficial relationships and evolve balloons, bunting, teardrop banners and branded t-shirts served our offering to meet the needs of our current and prospective to raise our profile whilst engaging with the community which we business members. serve.

The decision to lower our membership fees to £5 for individual Plans are already in motion for our 50th Anniversary celebrations memberships and £8 for joint memberships (non-email and 2019 promises to be another busy and exciting year for membership fees remain unchanged) was made and was brought the society. I look forward to another successful year and will into effect for new memberships from September 2018 onwards. continue to strive towards increasing and improving the profile of This has already seen a positive effect on the number of new Pontefract as a great place to live, work and visit. members joining us and hope this trend will continue throughout 2019. Karl Gilbert Honorary Secretary We have continued to strive towards increasing our public image and, to this end, I have designed a number of marketing materials

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 9 COMMITTEE REPORTS

Planning Group Report The cleaning and removal of the paintwork from the front of At the beginning of the year the Conservation Environment & the Red Lion Hotel and several new shop fronts in a traditional Planning Committee changed its name to reflect its principal form have all produced welcomed improvements to Cornmarket, focus on Planning Applications submitted to Wakefield Council, Beastfair, Market Place, Ropergate, Gillygate, and Finkle Street. thus our other responsibilities, like blue plaques, were moved The civic society has throughout the seven years of the THI to the Heritage Group. Our regular monthly meetings have scheme been involved on the THI Grants Board, which monitored discussed and evaluated development proposals, especially the architects’ plans and applications for funding. We have been those affecting the town centre, and the former Prince of Wales part of the proposals for three interpretation boards, which colliery site. Comments of support or concern were made to show the historical context of the development within the the local authority and appear as public records on planning Market Place Conservation Area (for those who don’t know, this applications and hopefully assist in the decision process. This led area covers most of the town centre, excluding Horsefair and to applications being revised or ignored, refused or withdrawn. surrounding locations which is part of the castle conservation area). The THI scheme in addition has attracted private Major development proposals that have been examined in the investment leading towards property refurbishment and general year include the Leisure Hub development on Pontefract Park, improvements creating a more welcoming town centre, beyond the warehouse/employment development off Park Road, and which it has been a catalyst for building improvements by some Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) projects in the town centre. landlords outside of the scheme. Additionally, residential housing development phases 4, 5 and 6 on the Pontefract colliery site, land off Cobblers Lane, and The planning group continue to look at sites which would attract Ferrybridge Road have been closely followed. Unfortunately blue plaque opportunities but this requires private funding and some revisions have been overlooked, thus when development owners’ consent, though this role is within our Heritage Group. takes place, an unattractive scheme results; however, the The prospect of creating additional conservation areas has been properties regenerated through the THI scheme have been considered but concluded that there was little scope to create attractive, visually, yet the Park Road buildings currently under appropriate areas. Ideas taken on by other communities are construction are less so. frequently looked at which might be implemented in the town’s streets and buildings. The civic society has been consulted on a scheme to be brought forward to enhance Colonel’s Walk as part of a wider review of The group is pleased to see the refurbished Magistrates Court, the Tanshelf area which in 2019 will inform the Local Plan 2036, now Magistrates Market open as an antiques centre. The Tour de and will continue to monitor the development land associated Yorkshire will again run through Pontefract, and activities within with the Prince of Wales colliery and spoil tip/slurry site. the Friarwood Gardens and the Castle continue to make these

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 10 areas more popular. safe route to the castle from Friarwood Lane car park and Baghill Station; this will happen as funding has been agreed. We have to ask the question regarding the major retail development scheme (Axiom) proposed on the land north of the Alas, we have nothing further to report on the A639 Park Road M62. Will this come about, when and how will it impact on our and its increasing traffic level, though the Leisure Hub planning high street and market? The timing of development reflects a application was approved in Jan, 2019, whilst at the other wider economic state not governed by the civic society, however end of the A639 the Country Park scheme will only be further the group continues to monitor the situation; our comments can progressed once coal extraction is completed. have an effect. We remain frustrated by the lack of information on the South Peter Taylor Featherstone Link Road, this is the initial section of the South Planning Group Coordinator East Link Road scheme. I am frequently asked what progress has been made by Ackworth residents and Councillors, Pontefract Highways Group business people and residents as well as Featherstone residents and business owners. Comments have been made that there may During 2018, our focus has continued specifically on Highways, be some forces at work trying to see that this essential scheme is as the Rail Group has become more well established, which was put to one side yet again. We hope to have some positive answers previously part of our remit. During 2018, we have had a number in early 2019. of meetings with Wakefield Council officers in the Highways department, though progress is incredibly slow, at times. Derek Vaux Highways Group Coordinator It is good to be able to report some movement on the difficult junction on Road near All Saints’ Church. The scheme for a gyratory flow in a clockwise direction around the Church Rail Group Report should now be away for appraisal by the traffic modellers to see 2018 was a very eventful year for the group. whether the cost/benefit analysis favours proceeding to the detailed design and consultation phase. In April, Pontefract Library was the venue for an exhibition of Peter Cookson’s photographs of our 3 Stations in bygone and We are still expecting work to start on the lower end of Broad modern times. These where accompanied by explanatory text and Lane to improve pedestrian safety by widening the central island went down very well with members of the public; we hope they at that point together with the addition of a pedestrian crossing will also get behind our ongoing campaign. on Southgate. For visitors to the town, this will also provide for a May saw the introduction of the extra hourly service to Leeds

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 11 via Wakefield, however, this got off to a dreadful start with the debacle of all of Northern Rail’s extra services suffering mass November brought the announcement of a platform extension cancellations. They had over committed themselves and did not at Monkhill, so the soon to be introduced longer sets will have have the resources to carry out all of the new services. This had a platform space for all cars. The group also had the great news of further impact on the Baghill services. The second train back from a £500 budget allocated to us by RailFuture Y&H to use in our York was re-timed to allow for an extra tea time service, which campaigns. We are currently considering ideas to use the budget. is still not in place. This has resulted in a service less usable than A recent concern was the state of the roof at Baghill Station. A before. Northern Rail has promised to introduce the extra service complaint was sent to Network Rail concerning the apparent in this May’s timetable change, though we are equally aware that lack of maintenance of the building. Network Rail has recently the problems of the new timetable and lack of units to enhance erected safety scaffolding and has informed us they are having services was mainly down to Network Rail failing to meet their the building assessed. They have promised to keep us informed of targets so that promised units were not available to Northern, their findings and remedial work. thus dropping them in it. Northern cannot be entirely exonerated, though the blame should be more widely spread. 2019 will bring new trains from Northern Rail, though these are scheduled for other services. All of the stock for our services will 2018 also saw us strengthen our partnership with the Friends of be re-furbished. This should stop the use of short formed sets on Askern Station, with a joint meeting with their MP, Ed Milliband our services. MP; they are campaigning to rebuild and re-open their station, which fits in with our campaign to extend the to Also as mentioned previously, the third service on the Baghill line Castleford service to Doncaster via Monkhill (though we recently should be introduced in May, which will at least make the service hear the rail authorities have not supported the request). The usable for leisure travel, giving around seven hours in York, and Chair and representatives from the Friends group had attended also making a visit to Meadowhall or Sheffield feasible. Hopefully our first meeting in Pontefract Town Hall, a couple of years ago, this will eventually lead to a full service, which can be used for where we launched our own rail group. commuting.

An October meeting of the Pontefract Rail Users Group gave We all hope Northern Rail with the support of Network Rail us optimism for a decent service on the Baghill line when a can get their act together and provide us with a reliable and representative from Transport for the North hinted that this was comfortable service in 2019. an achievable goal, with the correct funding in place. Judging by the comments we receive from the public this service would be Dave Hogg well used, if it was a full service. Also in October a meeting was Rail Group Coordinator held with Yvette Cooper MP, with regards to our main objectives (Baghill services, Huddersfield train through to Doncaster and car parking at Monkhill Station). Yvette offered her full support for all of our issues and suggested further meetings.

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 12 Talks & Tours Group Report archaeology, word meanings, religious connections, the civic movement and Pontefract’s regeneration. We would be pleased to welcome you to these talks and we The PEA committee changed its name about two thirds of the guarantee you won’t be disappointed. Please tell your friends and way through the year to the Talks & Tours Group. This title is encourage them to come too. much more relevant to the activities of the group and its purpose. Our group and its work is only a small part of what Pontefract Our responsibility lies in organising and delivering as it says, talks Civic Society does for Pontefract. and tours throughout the year for members.

During the first part of the year, under the PEA Committee, we In 2018, we held eight talks, although originally we had hoped had a stall at various events in town, Armed Forces Day, Liquorice for nine. Unfortunately, the speaker on one of the talks could not Festival and so on. This role has now moved to the Citizenship make it due to important work commitments. Group.

I can state that all our talks were successful. We had a range of Any help you can give to the Talks & Tours Group, or the civic subjects, from local history to local buildings and conservation, society as a whole would be greatly appreciated. famous local names from history (Peter the Hermit), Jesse Hartley, and an interesting talk about trains including the Orient Mike Skidmore Express. Near the end of the year, we had a talk about Zeppelins Talks & Tours Group Coordinator also mentioning the Royal Flying Corps, with their vicarious association to Pontefract Park. Our final talk, much looked forward too, was entitled Disappearing Pontefract, featuring old Heritage Group Report buildings that are no more. The group was formed in mid-2018 as a consequence of the Society’s strategic review of committee structures. It was felt that All our talks are illustrated with copious slides, photographs, there was a need to focus on, bringing to the fore, the rich history diagrams, and sometimes plans. Every one is different, but every and heritage of the town and this is the remit of the group. one is fascinating, interesting and informative.

As a civic society, we also have a history. What and where we are The talks admission fee for members remains at just £2, and for today is built upon the strong foundations set down by members non-members it’s £4, which is hardly daylight robbery, though it since its formation in 1969 and during 2019 we will celebrate does pay to join the civic society as a member. Nothing delights us our 50th anniversary. In this regard, the group’s immediate more than seeing a full room at a talk. priority, which is on-going, is to prepare materials for the

celebrations. The end result of research being undertaken will For 2019, we have organised nine talks, and tours to Shanks be the production of a booklet about the Society’s history, for (waste recycling), TJX Europe site (TK Maxx & Home Sense), and both members and non-members. Trawling through newspaper other towns Howden and Halifax. articles, delving into filing cabinets and jogging memories has The subjects of our talks are rich and varied from history, to aerial been the order of the day, in our quest to produce a timeline of

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 13 PCS events over the past 50 years. If you have a story to tell, Citizenship Group Report where the civic society has worked to deliver improvements in Pontefract, then please get in touch. While the group was only formed in Oct 2018, the group members have worked well throughout the year within the We have also been working closely with the Forgotten Women former PEA Committee, focusing on the PR stall at external of Wakefield project. The aim of the project is to research, share events. Our visible presence has been useful in both promoting and bring to life women from Wakefield’s (and surrounds) past the civic society, but also by putting something back into the who have had a positive impact on the lives of people today. In community via our support to various events and organisations, this respect, we have been assisting Dream Time Creative (the namely, Wakefield Armed Forces Day, Pontefract Liquorice arts company behind the project) in finding more detail about Festival, Yorkshire Day (where the civic society had a key role on the life of Elizabeth Moxon and in particular, where in Pontefract the organising committee). We supported Heritage Open Days she lived. In 1741, Elizabeth had an influential cookery book setting up marketing materials at various venues, the Crescent published, titled ‘English Housewifry’, it being sold from her house concert from Featherstone Male Voice Choir, and the community in our town. The culmination of the research, as well as a series event to celebrate 100 years of power generation in Ferrybridge. of workshops being held in the Museum, will be in March when a blue plaque will be unveiled in Pontefract, honouring the work of Now the group has been officially formed as a standalone team, Elizabeth. the lessons learnt from previous PR events are being put into place and actions assigned ready for 2019, as we seek to make Both the 50 years anniversary timeline and the Elizabeth Moxon our public face at events more interactive and appealing to all research are on-going, but these are not the only research areas ages. One major development is the introduction of a photoshoot that the group has in its sights. Other projects for 2019 include opportunity at events for young people, to allow ice breaker the updating of the town’s Blue Plaque guide; new heritage engagement with parents. We are also looking at our marketing trails around the town; the production of a heritage database materials and updating as identified. website for use by the public; and the compilation of a publication regarding historic buildings of Pontefract. For our Junior Civic Society, we will be exploring who to engage with in uniformed youth organisations as well as pursuing For the Heritage Group, the future is looking into the past, which relationships with schools, promoting the civic pride, civic society can then be brought to life through information, literature, and membership, and enabling us to support our young citizens to themed heritage walks. care for the town that we love.

Philip Henfrey The citizenship group has taken the lead role for our Golden Heritage Group Coordinator Jubilee celebrations, working with other groups in the civic society to plan a series of celebration event, publicity and legacy materials based on the past 50 years, and where we sell ourselves in the future; details will be communicated when finalised. Whilst the citizenship group has the lead, we will openly welcome support from other members, and so far we have engaged with Phil Henfrey and Colin White.

We have a big agenda in our remit and offers of support in 2019 will be welcomed, whether it is organising events, setting up stalls, ‘selling’ the civic society, or designing materials. We will need your support.

Phil Cook Citizenship Group Coordinator

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 14 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS REPORT

In September, buildings and places in and around Pontefract some to ‘have a go’! Other sites included Friarwood Valley threw open their doors to welcome visitors from far and wide Gardens, Pontefract as a garrison town (at the Barracks), and a as part of a free international celebration of Heritage. On Fri 1 photographic exhibition in Pontefract Library prompted interest. Sept, we launched this year’s guide to Heritage Open Days 4-day For Pontefract Town Hall, Minden House and festival with host partners, civic society members and the Town many similar comments were received saying the tours and Crier, courtesy of Pontefract Heritage Group. talks were “fascinating”, “very interesting” and “the guide was excellent”. Buildings and places in and around Pontefract threw open their doors to welcome something in the region of 1,000 visitors from Some specific comments on various locations are given below: far and wide, which meant that 13 locations offered a total of 29 Pinhole Camera, Friarwood Valley Gardens – “visited Pontefract opportunities to explore the heritage of Pontefract, Carleton, for 30 years and didn’t know the gardens existed”, and another East Hardwick and Ackworth, and one week earlier said “what a delight to see inside this building with such a was also participating in the National Trust and People’s Postcode knowledgeable guide”. Lottery backed scheme. Pontefract Town Hall – a visitor from Sheffield said “always Paul Cartwright, Civic Society Chair, said ”It was really great to good to see places not normally open – thanks”. A couple from see and hear the enthusiasm for our rich heritage with hundreds Cambridge said it was “Great!” of visitors from Cambridge, Manchester, Tewkesbury, Doncaster, Sheffield, and many places around West Yorkshire.” Ackworth Ackworth School – visitors said, “enjoyed a brief look into the School, the Masonic Hall, Minden House, and the churches in history of the Quakers and their teaching, also to see inside Pontefract, Carleton and East Hardwick all willingly participated the beautiful school”. Another said “great that I could take in talks, rang the church bells, and offered guided walks which photographs back to Australia – a good tour guide”, and finally, were well supported in the town centre via Pontefract Heritage “Celia gave us a taste of the school, past pupils and history back to Group with their Town Crier, in the Town Hall, at Pontefract the ‘Foundling days’. It was great – Thank you”. Castle. Renowned local speaker, Tom Dixon, also drew a good number of visitors to the liquorice fields of Pontefract. All HOD 2019 nationally is 13-22 Sept and we will shortly decide Saints Church had over 150 visitors, and around 80 made the which days we will plan for, locally. double helix climb to the bell ringing chamber. Visitor numbers to Pontefract Castle and Pontefract Museum were also high. Claire MacDonald Bell ringers at St Giles and All Saints’ demonstrated their craft, Heritage Open Days Coordinator explained to eager visitors how to ring safely, and allowed

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 15 DESIGN AWARDS

2017 Regeneration Award - Knights of Pontefract, 3 Horsefair 2017 Façade of the Year - Pickerings of Pontefract

2017 Special Commendation - WDH Baileygate Court 2018 Heritage Award - Ropergate House, 43 Ropergate

2017 Residential Award - Mercer Almshouses, Halfpenny Lane 2018 Improvement Award - Hope & Anchor

2017 Improvement Award - Gillygate Apartments 2018 Special Commendation - Pontefract in Bloom

2017 Heritage Award - Pontefract Castle, Visitor Centre 2018 Special Commendation - Townscape Heritage Initiative

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 16 TRUSTEES

Our Trustees Report of the Trustees for

Chairman Paul Cartwright the Period Ending 31st Secretary Karl Gilbert December 2018 Treasurer Ian Wood Planning Group Coordinator Peter Taylor The Trustees, present their report with the financial Highways Group Coordinator Peter Cookson statements of the charity for the period ended 31st Talks & Tours Group Coordinator Mike Skidmore December, 2018. Rail Group Coordinator Dave Hogg The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the SORP accounting policies set out by our Treasurer. Co-opted Dr Colin White Co-opted (to 18 Jul) Dr Claire McDonald Structure, governance and management Pontefract Civic Society is a registered charity governed by constitution. The organisation is viable by self-generated income from subscriptions and events. Project funding is developed through grant opportunities. There are no plans Our Working Groups to recruit an Executive Director, and we intend on the trustees continuing to manage the charity on a voluntary Planning Group Heritage Group basis. In the long term, paid roles may be considered, Peter Taylor (Coordinator) Philip Henfrey (Coordinator) should new income or grants sustain a different business Philip Henfrey (Deputy) Phil Cook model. Karl Gilbert (Secretary) Steve Brooks Allan R Blaza Karl Gilbert Recruitment and appointment of trustees Christine Cartwright As set out in the Constitution, the Chair of Trustees is Citizenship Group Paul Cartwright nominated by the membership. The trustees are set out Phil Cook (Coordinator) Arnie Craven in this report and are those in place at AGM. The Board of Gill Lodge Trustees has the power to co-opt trustees, as necessary. Highways Group Sue Gilbert David Hogg (Coordinator) Paul Cartwright Trustee induction and training Anthony Dee (Deputy) Christine Cartwright The Trustees maintain a good working knowledge of Derek Vaux (Secretary) Claire MacDonald charity and charity law and best practice. Attendance at Peter Cookson Karl Gilbert charity training courses as deemed applicable.

Rail Group Talks & Tours Group Organisation Dave Hogg (Coordinator) Mike Skidmore (Coordinator) The Charity is controlled by a Board of Trustees. The day Peter Cookson Colin White (Deputy) to day running of the charity is divided amongst these Philip Henfrey Karl Gilbert (Secretary) trustees with specific roles and responsibilities as required. Chris Hyomes Claire MacDonald Paul Cartwright Paul Cartwright Charitable objectives and activities Anthony Dee Mollie Garbett The Society is established for the public benefit for the Ian Wood following purposes in the area comprising Pontefract and Rosemary Barnes District which area shall hereinafter be referred to as “the area of benefit”:

(i) To promote high standards of planning and architecture

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 17 in or affecting the area of benefit. locations and venues.

(ii) To educate the public in the geography, history, natural history A number of free public meetings are organised and publicised, and architecture of the area of benefit. which ensures the Society remains accessible, financially viable and sustainable. (iii) To secure the preservation, protection, development and improvement of features of historic or public interest in the area Risk management of benefit. The trustees have a risk management strategy which comprises: 1. An annual review of the risks Public benefit 2. The establishment of systems and procedures to mitigate In furtherance of the said purposes, but not otherwise, the risk Society through its Executive Committee shall have the following 3. Implementation of the procedures designed to minimise any powers: potential impact should those risks materialise 1. To promote civic pride in the area of benefit. 2. To promote research into subjects directly connected with Role and contribution of volunteers the objects of the Society and to publish the results of any Pontefract Civic Society celebrates its commitment to a diverse such research. and skilled volunteer team, and whilst some members have 3. To act as a co-ordinating body and to co-operate with the worked hard, it has been patchy. There is much more to do, and local authorities, planning committees and all other statutory volunteers are openly welcomed. authorities, voluntary organisations, charities and persons having aims similar to those of the Society. Financial review 4. To promote or assist in promoting activities of a charitable The Statement of Financial Activities showed a surplus of nature throughout the area of benefit. £15,411, as a result of a grant which we continue to work on. 5. To publish papers, reports and other literature. 6. To make surveys and prepare maps and plans and collect Reserves policy information in relation to any place, erection or building of In accordance with the advice of the Charity Commission, beauty or historic interest within the area of benefit. the charity aims to hold unrestricted reserves at levels of 7. To hold meetings, lectures and exhibitions. approximately 12 months of budgeted unrestricted expenditure, 8. To educate public opinion and to give advice and information. to meet unforeseen costs and statutory obligations. 9. To raise funds and to invite and receive contributions from any person or persons whatsoever by way of subscription, Future plans and developments donation and otherwise; provided that the Society shall not The main priority is to create a blend of experience and ‘younger undertake any permanent trading activities in raising funds blood’, supplemented by relevant governance controls and for its primary purpose. To acquire, by purchase, gift or trustee training, to deliver operational plans: otherwise, property, whether subject to any special trust or • To continue working in partnership with public, private, and not third sector stakeholders 10. Subject to such consents as may be required by law, to sell, • To increase our membership with a broader demographic let, mortgage, dispose of or turn to account all or any of the and encourage active participation property or funds of the Society as shall be necessary. • To develop our Business Member scheme for the benefit of 11. Subject to such consents as may be required by law, to all parties and the town borrow or raise money for the purposes of the Society on • To develop a more strategic Board such terms and on such security as the Executive Committee • To diversify income generation shall think fit, but so that the liability of individual members • To manage capacity building for delivery projects of benefit of the Society shall in no case extend beyond the amount of to the town their respective annual subscriptions. • To develop policies and procedures recommended by the 12. To do all such other lawful things as are necessary for the Charity Commission attainment of the said purposes. On behalf of the Board We do this by organising membership events, and reaching out to Karl Gilbert non-members to attend public talks and meetings in accessible Honorary Secretary

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 18 TREASURER’S REPORT

I am pleased to present the Treasurer’s report for 2018. I can confirm that all expenditure has been correctly dual authorised, prior to processing payments promptly, when due, and properly allocated/ Donations & accounted for. Bequests

I would like to thank Christopher Hyomes for an effective independent examination of our 2018 Annual Accounts. Have you thought of Our income in 2018 (£20,839) has been greatly enhanced as a result of making a donation to a number of grants received, the most significant of these being £15,000 from Wakefield Metropolitan District Council to be used for the provision Pontefract Civic Society of various interpretation boards and banners. All other sources of income during your lifetime, or made up principally of annual subscriptions (£2,180) and combined sales leaving us some money of various books, calendars and pens (1,530) are broadly in line with the previous year. in your will?

The Trustees are currently in the process of formulating a claim to HMRC This newsletter and the Annual Reports on for gift aid on retrospective eligible subscriptions and had expected that our website show the tremendous work the this exercise would have been successfully concluded during the year society and our members are doing to make with all relevant monies received. Unfortunately however the exercise is Pontefract a better place. To continue our taking considerably longer than was anticipated, although the Trustees are important work at its present level, or in confident that it will be concluded in the near future. fact expand it as we plan to do, then we have In an effort to increase the levels of both “individual” and “joint” a pressing need for more resources. memberships the Trustees made a significant decision to reduce future annual subscription rates with effect from 2019 from £15 to £5 and from The beneficial position of the society is both £20 to £8 respectively. it’s independence and non-political stance, and that we do not rely of public sector Our costs in 2018 amounted to £4,998, marginally lower than in the grants to conduct our core activities. As the previous year. Significant items of expenditure included the cost of events town’s watchdog on planning, architecture, and meeting rooms (£893) and equipment and PR materials (£955). heritage and public amenities, we can speak Printing costs of books and calendars amounted to £754, and a further on behalf of those who live and work in £100 share of the profits from the sales of Martin Lodge’s book was paid to Pontefract, without fear or favour. Pontefract Heritage Group, as previously agreed. Once again the Society has made some significant donations during the year to various local We would be absolutely delighted if you projects including The Barracks Community Association for the provision would make a donation or a bequest. Both of a World War One Commemorative Bench, Pontefract in Bloom, The the Chair and the Secretary are available if Crescent Project and St Giles Pantomime Society, totalling £763. Most you wish to discuss this in more detail. of the other aspects of the Society’s expenditure are broadly in line with earlier years.

Ian Wood Treasurer

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 19 Pontefract Civic Society Charity Commission number 513509

Treasurer’s Report for the year ended 31 December 2018 Income and Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 December 2018 Income 2018 2017 Annual subscriptions received £ 2,180 £ 1,953 Blue plaques £ - £ - Grants £ 15,802 £ 100 Donations £ 229 £ 318 Events revenue £ 1,098 £ 690 Book, calendar and pen sales £ 1,530 £ 2,266 Legacies £ - £ - Sub-Total £ 20,839 £ 5,327 Income from monetary assets Transfers between accounts £ - £ 1,609 Loan £ - £ - Bank interest £ - £ - Total Income £ 20,839 £ 6,936

Expenditure 2018 2017 Direct charitable expenditure: Civic Voice £ 482 £ 228 YHACS £ 50 £ 50 Railfuture £ 21 £ 21 Events & meetings £ 893 £ 925 Donations £ 763 £ 770 Sub-Total £ 2,209 £ 1,994

Other Expenditure incurred: Membership refunds £ - £ 12 Insurance £ 552 £ 542 Printing & Postage £ 24 £ 65 Student's Expenses £ 40 £ - Grants expenditure (non-Magna Carta) £ - £ - Magna Carta £ - £ - Transfers between accounts £ - £ 1,609 Grants expenditure (Yorkshire Day) £ - £ - Book Printing £ 490 £ 990 Calendar Printing £ 264 £ 417 Loan Repayment £ - £ - Grants Repayment £ - £ 422 PHG Profit Share on Book Sales £ 100 £ 200 Trustee Development £ - £ - PR Materials £ 954 £ 723 Website £ 30 £ - Membership related costs £ 335 £ 473 Sub-Total £ 2,789 £ 5,453 Total expenditure incurred £ 4,998 £ 7,447 Overall Excess/Deficit of Income over Expenditure £ 15,841 -£ 511

Statement of Assets of Liabilities as at 31 December 2018 Monetary Assets 2018 2017 Barclays Community A/c (current) £ 24,476 £ 8,635 Barclays Business Saver A/c (investment) - A/c closed Mar 2017 £ - £ - Totals £ 24,476 £ 8,635

Reconciliation of cash movements to bank balances Opening bank balances £ 8,635 £ 9,146 Total cash receipts £ 20,839 £ 6,936 Less: Expenditure £ 4,998 £ 7,447

Total cash inflow £ 15,841 -£ 511 Closing bank balances £ 24,476 £ 8,635

Treasurer: I Wood (2018)

I have examined the Receipts and Payments for the Year 2018 and found it to be in accordance with the records and vouchers produced.

Christopher Hyomes P Cartwright Independent Examiner 03-Feb-19 Chairman PCS 03-Feb-19

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 20 2019 Calendar of Events

For 2019, our monthly talks will be in the Nelson Room of Pontefract Town Hall.

Tues 8 January David Willcox Talk: “The Origins of Pontefract/Hidden Pontefract”

Weds 23 January Design Awards 2017 & 2018

Tues 12 February Annual General Meeting

Anthony Poulton- Tues 12 March Talk: “What’s in a Name?” Smith

Fri 15 March Elizabeth Moxon Blue Plaque unveiling

Tues 19 March Tour of TJX Europe, Wakefield Processing Centre, Knottingley

Tues 9 April Eric Jackson Talk: “The Kingdom of Alms”

Sat 13 April Pontefract Community Showcase

Fri 3 May Tour de Yorkshire (with the collaboration of the local community)

Tues 14 May Allan Blaza Talk: “50 Years of Civic Pride in Pontefract”

24 May DYJO Big Band Swing Concert

Weds 29 May Visit to Renewi, South Kirkby Household Waste Recycling Centre

Tues 4 June Guided day visit to Halifax (Piece Hall, Borough Market and Town Hall) hosted by Halifax Civic Trust

Talk: “The History of Methodism in Pontefract – From John Wesley to Tues 11 June Mollie Garbett the present day”

Tues 9 July Merran McCrae Talk: TBC

Thurs 18 July Guided half day visit to Howden hosted by Howden Civic Society

Tues 10 September Antonino Vella Talk: “Interpreting Pontefract at the Museum and Castle”

13-15 & 19-22 Heritage Open Days September

Talk: “Infrared Colour Aerial Photography in War, Local History, and Tues 8 October Eric Houlder Archaeology”

Sat 26 October Hosting YHACS Regional Meeting

“The Fletcher Rhodes Collaboration - Text by J S Fletcher with local Tues 12 November Roger Ellis drawings by GP Rhodes”

December (TBC) Christmas Dinner

Registered charity number 513509 www.pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk 21

With thanks to our business members...

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MYXOLOGY

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